What is Electromagnetism? Electromagnetism is one of the
fundamental forces of nature that deals with the interaction
between electric charges and magnetic fields. It’s a combination
of two forces: electricity and magnetism, which are closely
related and often influence each other. This force is responsible
for a wide range of phenomena in the universe, from the
behavior of atoms to the functioning of electronic devices.
Basic Concepts in Electromagnetism
1. Electric Charges
o Electric charges come in two types: positive and
negative. Protons have a positive charge, while
electrons have a negative charge. Opposite charges
attract each other, and like charges repel each other.
o When objects have an imbalance of protons and
electrons (more of one than the other), they become
electrically charged.
2. Electric Fields
o An electric field is a region around a charged object
where other charges feel a force. For example, if you
bring a positive charge near a negative charge, the
negative charge will experience a force pulling it
toward the positive charge.
o The strength of the electric field depends on the
amount of charge and the distance from the charge.
The more charge, the stronger the field; the further
away, the weaker the field.
3. Magnetic Fields
, o Magnetic fields are created by moving electric charges
(like an electric current through a wire). They can also
be produced by materials like magnets.
o Magnetic fields exert forces on other magnets and
moving charges. If you place a compass near a
magnet, the needle aligns itself with the magnetic field
lines.
4. The Connection Between Electricity and Magnetism
o Electric currents (moving charges) produce magnetic
fields. This is why a wire carrying electricity creates a
magnetic field around it.
o Conversely, changing magnetic fields can induce
electric currents in a conductor. This is the basic
principle behind many electrical generators and
transformers.
Key Laws of Electromagnetism
1. Coulomb’s Law (Electric Force)
o It describes the force between two electric charges.
The force is directly proportional to the product of the
charges and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between them.
o Formula: F=kq1q2r2F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}
{r^2}F=kr2q1q2
FFF is the force between the charges.
kkk is Coulomb’s constant.
q1q_1q1 and q2q_2q2 are the amounts of the two
charges.
rrr is the distance between the charges.
2. Faraday’s Law of Induction